Best Pickleball Paddles: MTEN, Niupipo, JOOLA & GAMMA
- Fred & Ellis
- Feb 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 23
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and with so many paddle options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. At Fred & Ellis, we’ve scoured Amazon reviews to break down the pros and cons of the best pickleball paddles in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will help you find the perfect paddle. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links.
MTEN Pickleball Set
Dimensions: 15.67"L x 7.8"W
Grip Size: 4.57 inches
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Amazon Rating: 4.8 / 5 as of June 2025
The MTEN Pickleball Paddle combines advanced materials and thoughtful design for a paddle that’s perfect for players of all levels. With a fiberglass face and a polypropylene honeycomb core, it offers excellent durability, control, and a smooth feel on every shot. The lightweight construction ensures quick reactions, while the comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue for longer play sessions. Whether you’re playing casually or in a competitive match, this paddle provides a great balance of power and precision.
Users Say
Positive feedback highlights the MTEN set as an excellent starter option with a low barrier to entry cost-wise. Users appreciate the tough, durable paddles, regulation-quality balls, and the convenient carrying case. Players who have used the paddles for extended periods praise their strength, grip, and classy design, finding them to be worth the investment for both indoor and outdoor play.
Some users note limitations, with a few mentioning that the carrying bag is too tight to comfortably fit both paddles and four balls, necessitating the purchase of a larger bag. Others feel the racket lacks power despite its attractive appearance and good packaging.
Niupipo Pickleball Rackets Set
Dimensions: 10.71"L x 7.8"W
Grip Size: 4 4/5 inch
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Amazon Rating: 4.7 / 5 as of June 2025
Designed for players who value a balance of power and control, the Niupipo Pickleball Paddle features a lightweight fiberglass face and a polypropylene honeycomb core. This combination provides a responsive feel with reduced vibrations, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players. The cushioned grip ensures comfort during extended play, while the USAPA approval means it’s ready for competitive matches.
Users Say
Players commend the Niupipo paddle as an excellent option for beginners and a reliable backup for intermediate players. Many appreciate that it uses the same materials and construction methods as higher-priced alternatives. The USAPA approval is frequently mentioned as a mark of quality, ensuring the paddles meet competitive standards. Users value the lightweight fiberglass construction paired with the polypropylene honeycomb core, which provides a good balance of control and power without causing arm strain during extended play.
Some concerns include small flecks of paint coming off during initial use and the handle diameter being too large for some women’s hands. Several users mention the fiberglass face produces a loud ping sound when hitting the ball, which some find disruptive enough to return the product despite otherwise loving its weight, grip, length, and design.
JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set
Dimensions: 22"L x 7.5"W
Grip Size: 4 1/2 inches
Weight: 2 Pounds
Amazon Rating: 4.7 / 5 as of June 2025
Backed by professional player Ben Johns, this JOOLA paddle is built for those who demand high performance on the court. The fiberglass face delivers excellent spin and precision, while the Response Honeycomb Polymer Core enhances power without sacrificing control. With a premium grip for a secure hold and an optimized weight balance, this paddle is a solid option for competitive players aiming to elevate their game.
Users Say
Players who have tried the JOOLA Ben Johns set express satisfaction with its performance, particularly noting the sturdy yet not-too-heavy feel of the paddles. While acknowledging the higher price point compared to other beginner options, many feel the durability and performance justify the cost for those serious about improving their game. Users appreciate the light weight, easy-to-hold design, and the convenient storage bags that keep everything organized.
Some criticisms focus on value concerns, with a few users experiencing durability issues with the outdoor balls breaking during regular use. Others suggest that similar quality paddles can be found at lower price points, recommending this set primarily as a starter option but suggesting even more budget-friendly alternatives might offer comparable quality.
GAMMA Sports Fusion Pro Pickleball Paddles Set
Dimensions: One size
Grip Size: 4 inches
Weight: 2.64 pounds
Amazon Rating: 4.9 / 5 as of June 2025
Engineered for players who want durability and consistency, the GAMMA paddle features a composite hitting surface paired with a polymer core for excellent touch and power. Its textured face helps generate spin, while the cushioned grip provides comfort for all-day play. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this paddle is designed to keep up with your game.
Users Say
Enthusiasts describe the GAMMA set as a premium upgrade that delivers a crisp feel from the honeycomb/graphite face paddles. Many players with traditional tennis backgrounds appreciate being able to purchase a high-quality pickleball set at a fraction of the cost of tennis equipment. The included backpack receives particular praise for its durability, comfortable padded straps and back, and convenient features like the side drink holder.
Even positive reviews mention a few minor drawbacks, including wishes for better quality zippers and lining material on the bag. Some users also note that the balls have a two-piece molded construction that feels somewhat rough to the touch, though this doesn’t significantly impact overall satisfaction with the set.
2024 Selkirk LUXX Control Pickleball Paddle
Dimensions: 16.45"L x 7.5" W
Grip Size: 4 1/4 inches
Weight: 0.48 Pounds
Amazon Rating: 4.6 as of June 2025
Selkirk is known for high-quality paddles, and this model is no exception. Featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core and a durable fiberglass face, it delivers a great mix of power and control. The EdgeSentry guard adds extra durability, while the comfortable grip ensures stability in every shot. Ideal for players seeking precision and a reliable paddle for competitive play.
Users Say
Experienced players report noticeable performance improvements after upgrading to the Selkirk LUXX paddle, with some even attributing rating level increases to the switch. The paddle earns praise for feeling lightweight while still delivering excellent control and accuracy. Players who prioritize spin in their game particularly appreciate how the paddle enhances this aspect of play, with many finding the feel and reach worth the premium price point.
Critical feedback centres on the paddle’s sweet spot, with some 4.0-level players finding it lacking despite the good power for a 20mm paddle. The grip shape and size are also mentioned as potential issues, with some users returning the paddle because the grip was too large or didn’t suit their hand shape, despite otherwise liking the paddle’s performance characteristics.
Pickleball Paddles Comparison
This detailed comparison analyses five popular pickleball paddle sets, examining their construction materials, weight distribution, grip specifications, and suitability for different skill levels. Each paddle offers distinct advantages for various playing styles and experience levels.
Amazon ratings are accurate as of September 2025. Ratings and reviews are provided by Amazon customers and may change without notice.
F&E Verdict
Each paddle has its strengths and weaknesses, but here’s how they stack up:
Best Budget Pick: MTEN Pickleball Paddles – A fantastic choice for beginners at a great price.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 / 5 based on 4,927 ratings as of October 2025
Best for Control and Power: Niupipo Pickleball Paddles – Ideal for intermediate players looking for a balance of power and precision.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 / 5 based on 10,953 ratings as of October 2025
Best for Beginners & Comfort: JOOLA Ben Johns Pickleball Set – Great for new players who want a lightweight, wrist-friendly paddle.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 / 5 based on 706 ratings as of October 2025
Best Overall Quality: GAMMA Sports Fusion Pro Pickleball Paddles – Excellent craftsmanship with superior control.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 / 5 based on 22 ratings as of October 2025
Best Premium Paddle: 2024 Selkirk LUXX Control Pickleball Paddle – Perfect for advanced players who want the best performance, though it comes at a premium price.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 based on 524 ratings as of October 2025
Whichever paddle you choose, Fred & Ellis recommends considering your playstyle, experience level, and budget before making a purchase. Happy playing!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. Product ratings and review counts mentioned in this post were accurate at the time of publishing (as of October 2025) but may change over time. Please refer to the product pages on Amazon for the most up-to-date information.
This post presents original insights and analysis about products available on Amazon. All opinions and observations are presented in original language to provide a fair and balanced overview. No user reviews have been quoted or reproduced from Amazon. AI tools were used to help research and draft this post. All content has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and originality.
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